Page 98 of Sutherland's Secret
“Of course, my lady,” Cumberland said. He called for his guards, who came in, and Eleanor watched as Colonel Blackwood was arrested for the murder of her husband. She watched impassively, her anger waning until it was a dull ache.
“I’ll write up a report,” Cumberland said. “Lord Scarbrough can take it back to London with him, or I can send it myself.”
“Whatever you see fit,” she said dully. Brice looked at her sharply as he put his dagger back in his boot.
“Lady Glendale.”
She turned to Cumberland.
“On behalf of the English army and my family personally, I want to apologize for the injustice that has been done to you, your family, and Lord Glendale’s family.”
She smiled faintly. “Put it in writing, Your Grace, and all will be well.”
They made their way back outside, and Eleanor breathed deeply. She wasn’t certain what to feel. She was relieved that Charles’s name would be cleared, but she was saddened that his life had ended the way it had. It had not been an easy death; he’d been confused and indignant to the very end. She was extremely grateful that Blackwood hadn’t gotten away with murder and would never walk a free man again.
Thomas jogged up to them, something clutched in his hand. “His Grace wrote out the letter exonerating Charles of all accusations. He’s also sending a copy through his own courier to the king.”
“Good,” Eleanor said, pleased. It was the best she could hope for. Now Charles’s family could return to London with pride.
Brice looked around the garrison with his eyes narrowed.
“What is it?” Eleanor asked.
“MacLean might be here.”
“You can’t possibly think to free him,” Eleanor whispered.
“What about MacLean?” Campbell asked, appearing more interested than he had all day.
Brice eyed Campbell. “MacLean was taken by Blackwood’s men.”
Campbell looked around as well. “And you think he’s here?”
“I do no’ know, but I believe he might be.”
“He created a distraction so Brice and I could take Thomas from Blackwood,” Eleanor said to Campbell. “He was arrested for his efforts.”
Campbell seemed to think for a moment. “Go on without me. Leave my horse and my men, but take the ship back to Dornach.”
Brice spread his feet apart and crossed his arms. “What are ye thinking?”
“I don’t know,” Campbell said. “But I might be able to help MacLean.”
Brice considered the Campbell seriously for a few moments. “Are ye serious?”
“Yes,” Campbell said. “I believe I am. Leave it to me. I’ll see what I can do.”
Brice and Eleanor and Thomas left. Eleanor didn’t feel right leaving Campbell behind, but he had just proved that he was acquainted with Cumberland, so maybe he could do something for MacLean that none of them could.
—
Because the wind was with them, it took less time to sail to Dornach than it had to get to Elgin, which meant that Brice had less time with Eleanor.
She had been quiet on the return trip. Mostly she kept to herself and stared out over the horizon. He stayed away from her, sensing that she needed time alone. She seemed pleased by the outcome with Blackwood. Brice would have been more pleased if he could have sliced his dagger across the man’s throat and watched him bleed out in front of everyone.
They docked at Dornach. Brice’s feet were heavy. There was no reason for Eleanor and Thomas to stay now. Charles’s good name had been returned to him, and Eleanor could go to his family with the good news. She could finally be with her own family. Where she belonged.
He watched her step onto Scottish soil from the ship. The wind blew her hair wildly about her, and she pushed it back with a smile to hold it at the nape of her neck.When she turned to him, her smile nearly stopped his heart, and he soaked it in like the soft rainfall on a spring day in the Highlands, knowing that soon he would be parched from the lack of it.
